Leather Bar Tape

As an alternative to handlebar grips, many riders prefer using handlebar tape instead. A handlebar tape, or also called as bar tape or handlebar taping, is simply a piece of long, ribbon-like material wrapped around the handlebar. Materials can be made of cloth, plastic, rubber compound, or cork, such as the cork bar tape. They are manufactured and sold in long strips of tape made of the abovementioned materials. They can be from 1 inch to 1.5 inches wide. They are basically a “sandwich” of different materials, with the main material on the “outside”, while an adhesive side is in the “inside”, the part wound around the handlebar.

 

The bar tape functions just like an ordinary bar grip; it provides the hand support, grip and cushion. More importantly, many riders who prefer to use the tape for the simplest reason that it looks more appealing. According to pros, tape wrapping has become more like an art. Carefully wrapping the handlebar wrap around the handlebar requires skill and precision, which can be achieved only through practice. Sometimes, under tape pads are placed beforehand. One of the most popular handlebar tapes is the leather bar tape. It is made of either natural or synthetic leather. According to reviews, this is a favorite among road cyclists because it provides excellent support and grip for long rides, which road cyclists often take. Brands such as Brooks Perforated Leather Bar Tape are commonplace. This bar tape has two strips of light, perforated leather as the main material. As a bonus, it comes with two natural cork or wood bar end plugs. It usually comes in leather brown color.